Texas School Survey Of Drug And Alcohol Use

Georgetown ISD

Secondary Executive Summary

Introduction

The Texas School Survey is an annual collection of self-reported tobacco, alcohol, inhalant, and
substance use data from among elementary and/or secondary students in individual districts throughout
the state of Texas. The survey, conducted by the Public Policy Research Institute (PPRI) in conjunction
with the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (TCADA), is also administered every other
year to a representative sample of Texas students in grades 4 through 6 and grades 7 through 12.

Data from the statewide sampling, administered in the Spring of 1998, are incorporated into an over-
time database maintained by TCADA to track trends in substance use so that policymakers at the state
level have up-to-date information upon which to base decisions and plot prevention strategies. These
data also serve as an overall standard of comparison for use by those at the district level to interpret,
and act upon, local survey findings in a similar way.

The executive summary begins with a section containing a general demographic overview of those who
took the survey in the participating district. This is followed by sections dealing with the various
substances covered by the survey---tobacco, alcohol, inhalants, and illicit drugs. The summary
concludes with a section that explores selected characteristics associated with substance use in the
district and a final one dealing with where students come by what they know about drugs and alcohol
and to whom they might turn if they thought they were having a problem.

For context, each section dealing with substance use will begin with a brief, over-time glimpse of the
statewide trends in the 1990's with regard to that substance. Use data are then sandwiched in between
subsections dealing with environment and, where the data are applicable, with behavior specifically
associated with substance use.

Items that are generally recognized as contributing to the environment in which substance use is most
likely to occur include availability, peer use, and parental attitudes. Included in the behavior category
are such things as "binge drinking" (the consuming of five or more alcoholic beverages at one time),
attending class drunk or stoned, use of alcohol or illicit drugs at parties, or operating a motor vehicle
while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

As for the actual, self-reported use of each substance, it is important to note the frequency of such use.
Is it experimental, a once-in-a-lifetime thing? Is it casual use, a once-in-a-while behavior? Or is it
regular use, a monthly, weekly, or---in the case of tobacco products in particular---a daily habit?
Further, use data are used to differentiate between those who smoke cigarettes from those who use a
smokeless tobacco product, those who drink beer from those who drink wine coolers, those who sniff
correction fluid from those who sniff glue, and those who smoke marijuana from those who snort
powdered cocaine.

Two final points should be noted about the data. First, due to the differences in rounding procedures,
there may be slight discrepancies between the percentages referred to in the tables and those reflected in
the executive summary and in the corresponding figures. Second, some data in this report are marked
with an asterisk. Data so marked are estimated to be statistically significant at the .01 level from the
comparable data for the state as a whole. This means that in only one of a hundred samples would a
difference this large have occurred when there was no difference between the district and state data.
Differences in very small districts will seldom be statistically significant due to the small number of
cases. Differences that are not marked may be important, but should be treated with more caution than
those that are statistically significant.

The percentages referred to in the executive summary that follows were taken from the tables found in
"Part I: District Survey Results." Figures referenced throughout this report are included in "Part III:
Executive Summary."

Demographic Overview

In the Spring of 1998, the Texas School Survey was administered to students in grades 8, 10, and 12 in
the Georgetown Independent School District (GISD). Texas School Survey protocols, formulated to
ensure that the data used in this analysis has an acceptable probability of error, called for the district to
administer the survey to all of the students. The accuracy of the data requires that school staff
administering the survey followed the protocols.

A total of 1213 students completed the questionnaire. Of that number, 341 surveys were excluded from
analysis because students did not indicate their grade or age, or because they were identified as
exaggerators (i.e., claimed to have used a non-existent drug or reported overly excessive drug use).
The final number of surveys included in the overall district analysis was 1179, consisting of:

• Thirty percent who are 8th graders, 27 percent who are 10th graders, and 43 percent who are 12th
graders;

• A fairly even split of male (49 percent) and female (51 percent) students;

• An ethnic breakdown that is 80 percent white, 13 percent Mexican-American, 2 percent African-

American, 1 percent Asian-American, and 4 percent other;

• Seventy-one percent who say they live in a two-parent home, and 75 percent who report they have
lived in the district for three or more years; and

• Nearly two-thirds who say their parent(s) are college graduates (65 percent), and 11 percent who
indicate they qualify for free/reduced lunches at school.

2
Tobacco

General tobacco use includes both cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products. Between 1992 and
1998, the percentage of those Texas secondary students in grades 8, 10, and 12 who have reported
experimental use of tobacco products has stayed relatively flat in the 56 to 58 percent range throughout
this period. On the other hand, the prevalence of those students reporting past-month use---after
holding steady at 21 percent in both 1992 and 1994---increased sharply to 28 percent in 1996 and
stayed flat through 1998.

Overall, the general use of tobacco products among Georgetown ISD students in 1998 was somewhat
higher than that reported by their counterparts statewide. This higher use was particularly prevalent
among those GISD students in grade 12.

Environment. Eighty-seven* percent of GISD students reported that cigarettes are somewhat or very
easy to get (76 percent statewide), while 28* percent said most or all of their close friends smoke
cigarettes (23 percent statewide); rates higher than those indicated by students statewide.

Nearly three-quarters of district students (73* percent) indicated that smokeless tobacco products are
somewhat or very easy to get, compared to the 55 percent indicated by students statewide. Four
percent of GISD students said most or all of their close friends use smokeless tobacco (5 percent
statewide).

Students were asked about parental attitudes toward the use of cigarettes by “kids your age.” Eighty
percent of GISD students said their parents strongly or mildly disapprove of kids smoking (79 percent
statewide), while 12 percent said their parents neither approve nor disapprove (11 percent statewide).
Four* percent of district students said they "don't know" how their parents feel about kids their age
smoking cigarettes, nearly half the rate indicated by students statewide (7 percent).

Less than a third of Georgetown students (30* percent) believe that tobacco use is "very dangerous," a
rate lower than that indicated by students statewide (38 percent) (Fig. 15).

Use. Sixty-two* percent of Georgetown students reported general tobacco use at least once during
their lifetimes, in contrast to the 57 percent indicated by students statewide (Fig. 1). Experimental use
of tobacco products was reported by 55 percent of district 8th graders (50 percent statewide), 59
percent of Georgetown 10th graders (60 percent statewide), and 69 percent of GISD 12th graders (63
percent statewide (Fig. 3).

Just over a third of Georgetown ISD students (34* percent) said they had used a tobacco product
during the past month (28 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). Past-month general tobacco use was reported by
25 percent of GISD 8th grade students (21 percent statewide) and 31 percent of Georgetown 10th
grade students (30 percent statewide). Forty-three* percent of district 12th graders said they had used
a tobacco product during the previous month, a rate higher than that reported by 12th graders statewide
(36 percent) (Fig. 4).

Sixty* percent of Georgetown students reported smoking cigarettes at least once during their lifetimes

3
(56 percent statewide), while 33* percent said they had smoked cigarettes during the past month (27
percent statewide), and 13* percent reported smoking cigarettes on a daily basis (9 percent statewide);
rates higher than those indicated by students statewide. Daily cigarette use was reported by 4 percent
of Georgetown ISD 8th graders (4 percent statewide) and 12 percent of district 10th graders (11
percent statewide). Nineteen* percent of GISD 12th grade students said they smoke cigarettes on a
daily basis, a rate higher than that reported by 12th grade students statewide (14 percent).

Experimental use of smokeless tobacco products was reported by 21* percent of GISD students (15
percent statewide), 8* percent said they had used a smokeless tobacco product during the past month
(5 percent statewide), and 2 percent reported using a smokeless tobacco product on a daily basis (1
percent statewide); rates generally higher than those indicated by students statewide.

Alcohol

Alcohol is the most widely used substance among students statewide and in the Georgetown ISD.
Experimental alcohol use among Texas students in grades 8, 10, and 12 inched downward between
1992 (79 percent) and 1998 (75 percent), while past-month use has held relatively steady, in the 40
percent range, throughout this same period.

Overall, Georgetown ISD students were drinking alcohol in 1998 at rates somewhat similar to those
reported by their peers statewide. However, GISD students are drinking---and binge drinking---beer at
rates higher than those indicated by students statewide.

Environment. Forty-four percent of district students reported most or all of their close friends drink
alcohol (41 percent statewide). Eighty-six* percent of GISD students said beer, wine, wine coolers, or
liquor were somewhat easy or very easy to obtain, compared to the 78 percent indicated by students
statewide.

Students who said they had consumed alcohol were asked where they obtained it most of the time or
always. Nearly half of GISD students (47* percent) responded that they get alcohol "from friends"
most of the time or always, a rate higher than that indicated by students statewide (40 percent). Forty-
four percent of district students said they obtain alcohol "at parties" (45 percent statewide) and 13
percent reported they get alcohol "from the store" (16 percent statewide).

Parental attitudes can be a major factor in whether or not a student uses alcohol. When asked how their
parents feel about kids their age drinking beer, 79 percent of Georgetown students said their parents
strongly or mildly disapprove (79 percent statewide), and 12 percent said their parents neither approve
nor disapprove (10 percent statewide). Five* percent of district students said they "don't know" how
their parents feel about kids their age drinking beer, a rate lower than that indicated by students
statewide (7 percent) (Fig. 16).

Less than half of GISD students (39 percent) feel that it is "very dangerous" to use alcohol (42 percent
statewide) (Fig. 15).

Use. Three-quarters of Georgetown students (76 percent) reported consuming alcohol at least once

4
during their lifetimes (75 percent statewide) (Fig. 1). Experimental use of alcohol was reported by 66

5
percent of GISD 8th graders (67 percent statewide), 74 percent of Georgetown 10th graders (78
percent statewide), and 84 percent of district 12th graders (83 percent statewide) (Fig. 5).

Forty-three percent of Georgetown ISD students said they had consumed alcohol during the past month
(41 percent statewide) (Fig. 2). Past-month alcohol use was reported by 33 percent of GISD 8th
graders (31 percent statewide), 39 percent of Georgetown 10th graders (44 percent statewide), and 54
percent of district 12th graders (52 percent statewide) (Fig. 6).

The alcoholic beverages most often consumed by Georgetown students are beer (65* percent/60
percent statewide) and wine coolers (62 percent/63 percent statewide). Forty-five* percent of GISD
students said they drink beer on a weekly or monthly basis, a rate higher than that indicated by students
statewide (39 percent). Just over a third of district students (35 percent) said they drink wine coolers
weekly or monthly (37 percent statewide).

Behavior Associated With Use. "Binge drinking" is the consumption of five or more beers, wine
coolers, servings of wine, or drinks with liquor at one time. GISD students are "binge drinking" beer at
rates higher than those reported by their counterparts statewide. Forty-four* percent of Georgetown
ISD students reported "binge drinking" beer at least once during their lifetimes (39 percent statewide),
while 25* percent said they usually drink five or more beers at a time on average when they drink (18
percent statewide). One-time "binge drinking" of wine coolers was reported by 40 percent of GISD
students (42 percent statewide), while 16 percent said they usually drink five or more wine coolers at a
time on average when they drink (16 percent statewide).

Eleven percent of Georgetown students reported attending at least one class during the past school year
while "drunk" (11 percent statewide). Attending class while intoxicated was reported by 13 percent of
GISD 8th graders (10 percent statewide), 9 percent of Georgetown 10th graders (11 percent
statewide), and 12 percent of district 12th graders (11 percent statewide) (Figs. 11a and 11b).

A quarter of GISD 10th and 12th grade students (25* percent) said that they had driven a car after
having "a good bit to drink" at least once during the past year (17 percent statewide). Driving while
intoxicated was reported by 10 percent of Georgetown 10th graders (11 percent statewide). A third of
GISD 12th grade students (33* percent) said they had operated a motor vehicle while under the
influence of alcohol at least one time during the previous year, a rate higher than that indicated by 12th
grade students statewide (25 percent). Driving while intoxicated four or more times during the past
year was reported by 8* percent of district 10th and 12th graders (5 percent statewide) (Fig. 13).

Forty-four percent of Georgetown students said alcohol was used at most or all of the parties they
attended in the past school year (42 percent statewide). Alcohol use at most or all parties was reported
by 20 percent of GISD 8th grade students (21 percent statewide) and 63 percent of district 12th grade
students (61 percent statewide). Only 39* percent of Georgetown 10th graders reported alcohol use at
most or all parties they attended during the previous school year, a rate lower than that indicated by
10th graders statewide (50 percent) (Figs. 14a and 14b).

One percent of GISD students said they had gotten into trouble with their teacher because of alcohol
use at least once during the past school year (1 percent statewide), while 6 percent reported they had
gotten in trouble with the police because of their alcohol use during the past year (5 percent statewide).
Twelve* percent of Georgetown students said they had "difficulties of any kind" with friends because of
one's own drinking, a rate higher than that indicated by students statewide (9 percent).
Illicit Drugs

Illicit drugs are defined as controlled substances and include marijuana, cocaine (powdered form and
crack), uppers (stimulants), downers (narcotics), Rohypnol, hallucinogens, ecstasy, and heroin.

In 1992, as a general downward trend in the use of these substances bottomed out, nearly a quarter of
Texas students in grades 8, 10, and 12 reported experimental use of an illegal drug (24 percent),
marijuana in particular (21 percent), while 8 percent said they had used an illegal substance during the
past month---and 7 percent indicated that marijuana was that drug. Two years later, the number of
these students indicating they had experimented with an illegal substance jumped to 30 percent (28
percent for marijuana), while the number reporting past-month use nearly doubled for both illicit drugs
in general (15 percent) and marijuana in particular (13 percent). This upward surge continued through
1996, as 36 percent said they had experimented with an illegal drug (33 percent for marijuana) and 19
percent indicated past-month use of an illicit substance (17 percent for marijuana). Finally, the results of
the 1998 statewide assessment contain a mixed message with regard to the use of these substances.
The experimental use of illegal drugs continued to creep upward in 1998 (39 percent for any illicit drug
and 38 percent for marijuana), while past-month use appears to have leveled off (18 percent for any
illicit drug and 17 percent marijuana).

Overall, the use of illicit drugs, and of marijuana in particular, among Georgetown ISD 8th and 10th
grade students in 1998 was similar to that reported by their counterparts statewide. However, the use
of such substances among those GISD students in grade 12 was higher than that indicated by their
peers statewide.

Environment. Sixty-one* percent of GISD students said marijuana was somewhat or very easy to
obtain, a rate higher than that reported by students statewide (54 percent). Nearly a quarter of
Georgetown students believed that uppers (24 percent/23 percent statewide), and downers (22
percent/23 percent statewide) were easily accessible to them. Twenty-one* of district students believed
that powdered cocaine was easily accessible (27 percent statewide), and 14* percent said they believed
that heroin was somewhat or very easy to obtain (17 percent statewide); rates lower than those
indicated by students statewide.

With regard to the question of the effects of peer influence on substance use, 24 percent of district
students reported most or all of their close friends smoke marijuana (22 percent statewide). And when
asked about parental attitudes toward marijuana use, Georgetown students reported a disapproval rate
of 89 percent (87 percent statewide), while 5 percent said their parents neither approve nor disapprove
of such use (4 percent statewide). Four* percent of district students said they "don't know" how their
parents feel about kids their age using marijuana, a rate lower than that indicated by students statewide
(6 percent) (Fig. 16).

Just over half of Georgetown students (51* percent) believe that marijuana use is "very dangerous," a
rate lower than that indicated by students statewide (56 percent). As for how students view the risks
associated with the use of other illicit substances, 75 percent of district students feel that use of ecstasy
is "very dangerous" (74 percent statewide), 86 percent believe that powdered cocaine use is "very
dangerous" (86 percent statewide), 88 percent feel that the use of crack is "very dangerous" (88 percent
statewide), and 89 percent believe that heroin use is “very dangerous” (90 percent statewide) (Fig. 15).

Use. In the Georgetown ISD, 43 percent of students reported experimental use of an illicit drug (39
percent statewide), and 41 percent of GISD students reported smoking marijuana at least once in their
lifetimes (38 percent statewide) (Fig. 1). Experimental use of marijuana was reported by 27 percent of
Georgetown 8th graders (27 percent statewide) and 37 percent of GISD 10th graders (43 percent
statewide). Just over half of district 12th grade students (53* percent) said they had smoked marijuana
at least one time during their lives, a rate higher than that indicated by 12th grade students statewide (46
percent) (Fig. 9).

Past-month marijuana use was reported by 21* percent of Georgetown ISD students (16 percent
statewide) (Fig. 2). Smoking marijuana during the past month was reported by 11 percent of district
8th grade students (12 percent statewide) and 19 percent of GISD 10th grade students (19 percent
statewide). Twenty-nine* percent of Georgetown 12th graders said they had smoked marijuana during
the previous month, a rate higher than that indicated by 12th graders statewide (19 percent) (Fig. 10).

Other illicit substances are used by a smaller number of Georgetown ISD students. Uppers are the next
most frequently used illicit substance among Georgetown ISD students (11* percent), a rate higher than
that indicated by students statewide (8 percent). On the other hand, 7* percent of GISD students said
they had used powdered cocaine (10 percent statewide) and 5* percent indicated they had used
Rohypnol (7 percent statewide) at least one time during their lives; rates lower than those reported by
students statewide.

Six percent of district students reported using downers (7 percent statewide), 5 percent reported using
ecstasy (5 percent statewide), 3 percent said they had used crack (3 percent statewide), 3 percent said
they had used steroids (2 percent statewide), and 2 percent indicated they had used heroin (2 percent
statewide) at least once during their lifetimes (Fig. 1).

Behavior Associated with Use. Thirteen percent of GISD students reported attending at least one
class in the past year while "stoned" on marijuana (14 percent statewide). Attending class while stoned
was indicated by 11 percent of Georgetown 8th graders (12 percent statewide), 12 percent of district
10th graders (16 percent statewide), and 15 percent GISD 12th graders (13 percent statewide) (Figs.
12a and 12b).

Driving under the influence of drugs at least once during the past year was reported by 20* percent of
Georgetown ISD 10th and 12th grade students (14 percent statewide). Driving under the influence of
drugs was reported by 10 percent of GISD 10th graders (11 percent statewide). A quarter of
Georgetown 12th grade students (25* percent) said they had operated a motor vehicle while under the
influence of a drug during the previous year, a rate higher than that indicated by 12th grade students
statewide (18 percent). Driving while stoned four or more times during the past year was reported by 4
percent of district 10th and 12th graders (6 percent statewide).

A quarter of the Georgetown ISD students (25 percent) said that marijuana and/or other drugs were
used at most or all of the parties they attended during the school year (25 percent statewide). The use
of marijuana and/or other drugs at most or all parties was reported by 16 percent of district 8th grade
students (15 percent statewide) and 34 percent of Georgetown 12th grade students (33 percent
statewide). Twenty* percent of GISD 10th graders said that marijuana and/or other drugs were used at
most or all of the parties they attended during the school year, a rate lower than that indicated by 10th
graders statewide (30 percent).

One percent of GISD students said they had gotten into trouble with their teacher because of illicit drug
use at least once during the past school year (2 percent statewide), while 3 percent reported they had
gotten in trouble with the police because of their use of illegal drugs during the past year (3 percent
statewide), and 8 percent of district students said they had gotten into "difficulties of any kind" with
their friends during the past year because of their own drug use (7 percent statewide).

Inhalants

In general, inhalants are common, licit substances (paints, thinners, correction fluid, glue, etc.) which,
when sniffed, huffed, or inhaled, produce an intoxicating effect. Lifetime and past-month inhalant use
percentages have been adjusted to reflect reported use of both specific inhalants and inhalant use
generally. This adjustment was made because some students responded positive to specific use without
responding positive to generic use, while some students responded positive to generic use but not
specific inhalants.

In 1992, just under a quarter of Texas students in grades 8, 10, and 12 (23 percent) indicated they had
experimented with an inhalant at least once in their lives. Over the next two years, this lifetime use
dipped to 19 percent and stayed flat through 1996. The prevalence rate of past-month inhalant use has
held steady at 5 percent throughout this period. In 1998, however, both experimental inhalant use (21
percent) and past-month use (8 percent) began to creep upward.

Overall, Georgetown ISD 8th and 12th grade were using inhalants in 1998 at rates similar to those
reported by their counterparts statewide. However, the use of such substances among those GISD
students in grade 10 was lower than that indicated by their peers statewide.

Environment. Three percent of GISD students reported most or all of their close friends use inhalants
(2 percent statewide), and 76 percent believe that inhalant use is "very dangerous" (76 percent
statewide) (Fig. 15).

Use. Seventeen* percent of Georgetown students reported using inhalants at least once during their
lifetimes (21 percent statewide) (Fig. 1). Lifetime inhalant use was reported by 27 percent of district
8th grade students (26 percent statewide) and 12 percent of GISD 12th grade students (16 percent
statewide). Thirteen* percent of Georgetown 10th graders said they had used an inhalant at least one
time during their lives, a rate lower than that reported by 10th graders statewide (20 percent) (Fig. 7).

Seven percent of Georgetown ISD students said they had used inhalants during the past month (8
percent statewide) (Fig. 2). Past-month inhalant use was reported by 13 percent of district 8th graders
(11 percent statewide) and 5 percent of GISD 12th grade students (4 percent statewide). Three*
percent of Georgetown 10th grade students said they had used an inhalant during the previous month,
half the rate indicated by 10th grade students statewide (6 percent) (Fig. 8).

Ten percent of GISD students said they had used two or more different kinds of inhalant substances
during their lifetimes (12 percent statewide). The inhalant substances most frequently used by
Georgetown students were correction fluid/whiteout (9 percent/10 percent statewide), those in the
“other inhalants” category (7* percent/10 percent statewide), and liquid/spray paint (7 percent/9
percent statewide).

Six percent of district students reported they had inhaled nitrous oxide/laughing gas (7 percent
statewide), 5 percent said they had inhaled paint thinner (6 percent statewide), 5 percent reported
inhaling gasoline (5 percent statewide), 4 percent indicated that they had inhaled glue (5 percent
statewide), and 3* percent reported inhaling substances in the "other sprays" category (4 percent
statewide) at least once during their lifetimes.

Characteristics Associated With Drug Use

In the statewide survey, and with the notable exception of uppers, female students were somewhat less
likely to have used an illicit drug than were male students. In the Georgetown ISD, male students were
somewhat more likely to have used powdered cocaine, a hallucinogen, a downer, or Rohypnol and over
two times more likely to have used a steroid than were district female students. There were no other
significant differences by gender among GISD students with regard to the use of tobacco products,
alcohol, inhalants, marijuana, or other illicit substances.

Statewide, students living in two-parent homes were somewhat less likely to have used tobacco
products, alcohol, inhalants, and illicit drugs than were those students living in other family situations.
GISD students living in other family situations were somewhat more likely to have used an inhalant,
powdered cocaine, or a hallucinogen, nearly twice as likely to have used an upper, over two times more
likely to have used a steroid, and nearly three t8imes more likely to have used a downer than were those
district students living in homes with two parents. There were no other significant differences by living
arrangement among Georgetown ISD students with regard to the use of tobacco products, alcohol,
marijuana, crack, ecstasy, Rohypnol, or heroin.

Drug and Alcohol Information

The influence of drug education programs may be reflected in students' attitudes toward the use of
specific substances reported above. Two-thirds of Georgetown ISD students (66 percent) said they had
gotten information about drugs and alcohol from a school source since classes began in the Fall (64
percent statewide). "An assembly program" was reported by 64* percent of district students as a
source for information about drugs and alcohol (51 percent statewide), and 51* percent said "an invited
school guest" was a source for this information (42 percent statewide); rates higher than those indicated
by students statewide. Only 26* percent of GISD students reported getting this information about
drugs and alcohol from a "health class," a rate considerably lower than that reported by students
statewide (46 percent).

When asked where they would go for help with a drug or alcohol problem, the largest percentage of
Georgetown students said they would seek help from their friends, at a rate (83* percent) higher than
that indicated by their peers statewide (76 percent). Fifty-six* percent of GISD students said they
would seek help from an adult friend or relative for a drug or alcohol problem (61 percent statewide),
and 52* percent said they would turn to their parents for such help (56 percent statewide); rates lower
than those indicated by students statewide. District students are least likely to seek help for a drug or
alcohol problem from another adult in school, such as a teacher or nurse (22* percent/31 percent
statewide), or a counselor or program in school (26* percent/33 percent statewide); rates lower than
those indicated by students statewide (Fig. 17).

Since school began in the Fall, 5 percent of Georgetown students reported seeking help for any
problems connected with alcohol or drug use from someone other than family or friends (7 percent
statewide).